You might think that the Detroit Truetrac vs. Locker is a simple question. It would be, except that one of these options requires you to choose between two things: love and money. Both are essential commodities, so it is not easy to decide between them.
Comparing Detroit truetrack vs. Locker is no different from comparing apples to oranges. They’re both different, and if you try to compare them blindly, you’ll miss many important details that could make a significant difference when choosing one over the other.
Detroit Truetrac and Locker are two types of differential gearboxes that have been around for a long time. These differential mechanisms are commonly used in off-road vehicles. These differentials allow the vehicle to spin each wheel of a powered axle while transferring torque to both wheels of an unmoving axle. There’s a growing interest in these gears with more off-road power today. There are some advantages and disadvantages to both of these differentials, and it mainly depends on the driving styles of the owner as to what vehicle is better suited for each.
Today, we will be reviewing the Detroit Truetrac differential, and standing next to it is its brother-from-another-mother — the Locker (or Locker). Before talking about them, please tell me: Have you heard about these devices?
What is Detroit Truetrac?
The Detroit Truetrac, made by Eaton, is a helical gear differential with no clutches or plates. The planetary design and worm gears transmit torque between the side gears, which means there will be no reaction to axial thrust on the side gears. This part is most commonly used for high-performance streetcars and light trucks but can also handle professional racing. Because it’s a helical gear differential, it has low operating torque, allowing it to have a smooth operation that won’t be noticeable when cruising down the road. It also has a unique feature: as one wheel tries to speed up due to traction loss, the Truetrac transfers torque (up to 100%) from that wheel to the other wheel that has traction.
When looking for a locking differential, the Detroit Truetrac is one of the most popular choices. It is a helical gear-based limited-slip differential, which means that it uses gears to limit wheel spin. Let’s look at this type of diff and find out if it is the best choice for your vehicle.
The following are some advantages of the Detroit Truetrac:
- Decent traction in all conditions (wet, dry, off-road)
- Ideal for vehicles with aggressive tires
- Transfers torque from slipping wheels to wheels with traction
- It helps increase vehicle stability
- Smooth operation
- No maintenance is required
The following are some Disadvantages of the Detroit Truetrac:
- It lacks the anti-spin feature
- It’s expensive compared to other types available today.
- Less traction than a locker or spool on slick surfaces
- No lockout capability
What is a Locker?
A locking differential is a type of differential that allows both wheels to receive power simultaneously. This can be very helpful in off-road situations where one wheel might lose traction. The best lockers will enable you to choose when the power gets locked into both wheels and which ones receive it.
A locker is a differential that provides variable drive torque to each wheel. When the Locker is engaged, it will allow both wheels to rotate at the same speed regardless of whether they are moving in the same direction or in opposite directions. In other words, when you lock your front axle, both wheels will turn at the same speed and ignore any slip difference between them. This lets you go over obstacles that would otherwise cause the vehicle to lose traction and slide out of control.
Detroit Locker is an auto-locking differential that uses a ratcheting mechanism to lock and unlock the differential. It is designed for off-road use and provides increased traction when driving on loose or uneven surfaces. The locking mechanism is engaged when the vehicle is driven in a straight line and is disengaged when the car turns. This allows the car to maintain traction while driving on slippery or uneven surfaces and prevents the wheels from slipping or sliding.
The following are some advantages of the Detroit Locker:
- Allows you to drive on steep inclines without slipping or spinning out
- Allows you to climb rocks and other obstacles without damaging your tires or breakage issues
- Allows for better handling and stability in off-road situations
- Increases traction for better acceleration when driving on slippery surfaces like snow or mud
- A reduction in wheel hop during acceleration or braking
- Improved handling characteristics
- It allows you to get more traction from your tires
- You can use more power to accelerate without spinning out
- It makes your truck more fun to drive off-road
The following are some Disadvantages of the Detroit Truetrac:
- The Locker can be noisy on the road (especially on hard turns & when engaging and disengaging)
- It can be jarring when engaged on the pavement.
- This can be a bit of a distraction when driving.
- Detroit Lockers can be challenging to install, especially if you are not experienced.
- It’s not very good at turning corners. The inside wheel can go faster than the outside during cornering or turning.
TOP Detroit Truetrac
Eaton 913A481 Detroit Truetrac
The Eaton 913A481 Detroit Truetrac is a differential carrier featuring cast-iron housing with a bolted steel cover with a rubber gasket. It includes factory fresh bearings, races, lube, as well as a new pinion seal, and pinion nut. For added durability, its hardened gears have case-hardened teeth. The unit is designed for easy installation and removal based on the spline count of the ring gear.
Key Features
- Smooth, quiet, and automatic operation
- Works in front of real axle applications
- Maintenance-free limited-slip locker
- Heavy-duty construction
- ABS Compatible
Drawbacks
- There is no such a Drawback
Eaton 915A550 Detroit Truetrac
Eaton 915A550 Detroit is a Detroit Truetrac differential for trucks and SUVs that ensures maximum traction on wet, snow-covered, and greasy roads. With its efficient design, this differential from Eaton is intended to help vehicles achieve outstanding performance with enhanced fuel economy, reliable operation, minimized downtime, and simple installation.
Key Features
- Superior grip and traction
- Ease of installation
- Long-lasting durability
- Extended wear life
- No special tools, lifts, or ramps are required
- Street / Off-Road
- Fully customizable
Drawbacks
- There is no such a Drawback
Eaton 913A589 Detroit Truetrac
The Eaton 913A589 Detroit Truetrac is a truck differential for heavy-duty trucks and medium-duty vans, equipped with the latest Detroit Gear technology that delivers the ultimate in traction and durability.
Key Features
- 2.94 and 3.73 gear ratios
- Perfect for modified, lifted, and outfitted vehicles
- Smooth and quiet
- Proven in off-road and high-performance applications
- Clutchless design
- Rated at over 1,600 lb-ft of torque capacity
- Durable and reliable
Drawbacks
- The problem of some grip required for power transfer
TOP Detroit Locker
Detroit Locker 225S10 Differential Locker
The Detroit Locker 225S10 Differential Locker is a heavy-duty locking unit that replaces the differential cover and spider gears with the exclusive Trac-Lok differential. This unit contains a cross-pin that rides in two grooves to provide a positive locking action. The Trac-Lok differential does not wear like conventional differentials do, providing increased durability and longevity for your gear drive train. This locker works best on vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds. Check with your local off-road shop as to what applications will benefit from this type of locker.
Key Features
- Stronger, more durable design
- Better traction and durability
- Safer and more efficient
- Less wear and tear and maintenance costs
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Better for the environment
- Fully automatic locking traction for 100 percent drive to both wheels
- Wheel speed-sensitive mechanism for automatic differentiation
Drawbacks
- Old users stated that the only drawback is Cracks at spline after 3000 miles of use.
Detroit Locker 912A585
The Detroit Locker 912A585 is a heavy-duty limited-slip differential. It is the ultimate traction aid for both on and off-road applications, providing predictable and reliable performance that exceeds factory standards.
Key Features
- Torque biasing helical gear design for quiet, smooth, and automatic operation
- Works in the rear or front axle
- Limited-slip locker; Maintenance-free
- Heavy-duty Material
Drawbacks
The only drawback is the small capacity to handle power.
Detroit Locker 913A481
Detroit Locker 913A481 is a compact, easy-to-install differential that fits Dana 30 and Dana 35 transfer cases with Spicer internals. Complete internal parts are zinc plated for long life under heavy use, and ball bearings are used in both the input and output shafts for smooth action. The innovative design of this differential provides a reduction in weight and an improvement in strength to the ring gear teeth compared to other iron differentials.
Key Features
- High-strength structure
- Excellent limited slip
- Much more formidable handling
- Intermediate level installation
- Superior driving level
Drawbacks
- The only drawback is that on the highway, there is a whining noise.
Detroit Truetrac vs. Locker
When it comes to the truck differential, there is no doubt that both Detroit Truetrac and Locker are two of the most popular products on the market. However, knowing the similarities and differences between these two products will help you decide which one is best for your truck. These two truck differentials improve the performance of your vehicle. They offer you increased traction, increased fuel efficiency, and better handling.
There are some key differences between the Detroit Truetrac and a locker. The Detroit Truetrac is a limited-slip differential, meaning that it allows for some slip between the wheels. This is beneficial for traction in off-road or slippery conditions. On the other hand, a locker locks the wheels together, providing maximum traction. However, this can be detrimental in some situations, as it can cause the wheels to bind up and cause loss of control. Another key difference is that the Detroit Truetrac is quieter than a locker, as it does not have a locking mechanism.
How do they Perform?
The Detroit Truetrac is a high-performance Differential that provides improved traction and handling for your vehicle. It features a helical gear design that allows for smoother and quieter operation while also increasing strength and durability. The Truetrac is available for various vehicles, including many popular muscle cars and performance vehicles. It comes with a lifetime warranty so that you can be confident in its performance and quality.
The Detroit Locker is a high-performance locking differential that provides maximum traction for street and strip applications. It is designed for vehicles that see a mix of street and track use and provides the benefits of both worlds. The Detroit Locker is a popular choice among performance enthusiasts because it is one of the most reliable and robust locking differentials. It is also the most affordable locking differentials, making it an excellent value for the performance it delivers.
What is their Mechanism?
The Detroit Truetrac is a limited-slip differential that uses a patented cone clutch and gear design to provide a smooth, progressive torque delivery to the wheels. This resulted in better traction and improved handling, especially when cornering. The Detroit Truetrac is a great choice for those who want the benefits of a limited-slip differential without the harshness often associated with them.
The Detroit Locker is a locking differential that provides maximum traction for street and off-road use. It is designed to keep both wheels in constant contact with the ground, even if one is on a loose or uneven surface. The Locker is engaged by a cable that is connected to the differential. When the differential is involved, the Locker locks the two wheels together, so they turn at the same speed. This provides increased traction and stability, especially when one wheel is on a loose or uneven surface. The Detroit Locker is an excellent choice for street and off-road use and will provide maximum traction and stability.
What is their Functionality?
The Detroit Truetrac is a limited-slip differential that uses a patented design to provide constant power to both wheels while still allowing smooth turning. The differential uses a series of gears and clutches to achieve this and is designed to work with any vehicle. The Detroit Truetrac is a great choice for those who want the benefits of a limited-slip differential without the added noise or wear and tear.
Detroit locker is an automatic locking differential designed for off-road and racing applications. It uses a patented design to lock the differential automatically when one wheel starts to slip. This allows both wheels to receive equal power, even if one is on a slippery surface. The Detroit locker is not recommended for street use because it can cause unpredictable handling.
The Design
Truetrac, however, doesn’t require any extra oil additives or maintenance to keep it running right away. Truetrac maintains its day one performance for the unit’s life, thanks to silky-smooth positive operation and no wear on any internal pieces. As a result, it has nothing that could be repaired and is ready to go from the word ‘go.’
The lock on or off switch keeps both tires moving forward, even when one is lifted off the ground, and it also enables “drive mode” to operate in reverse. You can also open up the gearbox to take a peek at its insides!
What is their Usage?
The Detroit Locker is a high-performance automatic differential used in high-powered drag racing and off-road vehicles. Used in many high-powered cars, On the other hand, Truetrac is designed for rugged off-road use and Race Cars Especially.
How Much Durable?
Detroit Truetrac is a very durable product. It is made with high-quality materials and is built to last. A lifetime warranty also backs it, so you can be confident that it will withstand the test of time.
Detroit Locker is a reliable and durable product that has been on the market for over 25 years. It is made from high-quality materials and is designed to withstand the rigors of off-road driving. It is a popular choice for those who want a reliable locking differential for their vehicle.
Cost
The Detroit Truetrac is available for various domestic and import vehicles. The cost of the Detroit Truetrac ranges from $500-$700.
The cost of a Detroit Locker is $1000. This is a high-quality locker that is made to last. It is made of sturdy materials and is designed to withstand wear and tear. This Locker will keep your belongings safe and secure, and it will do so for a long time.
Which One is Better for You?
There are many different factors to consider when choosing between a Detroit Truetrac and a Locker for your vehicle. Both have pros and cons, so it comes down to what you need and wants out of your drivetrain.
So, which is the better option? It depends on your specific needs. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, then the Detroit Truetrac may be better. If you do much off-roading, then the Locker may be a better option for you.
When is a Detroit Truetrac the best choice?
If you’re looking for a simple, reliable, and affordable way to get better traction, then the Detroit Truetrac is an excellent option. It’s easy to install and doesn’t require any special maintenance. However, it doesn’t provide the same level of traction as a locker, so it’s not ideal for off-road driving or racing.
When is a Detroit Locker the best choice?
On the other hand, a locker is a more expensive and complex option, but it provides much better traction. If you do a lot of off-roading or racing, then a safe is the way to go. Just keep in mind that it requires more maintenance and can be challenging to install.
Conclusion
Detroit Truetrac is a new type of locking differential designed to be more durable and efficient than the traditional Locker. Truetrac is a locker that provides full traction to both wheels. It is claimed to be able to handle the most challenging off-roading conditions.
The Locker can be operated manually with a switch or automatically engaged when it senses that traction has been lost by one of the wheels. The Truetrac is also a suitable replacement for units considered to be worn out. It offers a more durable solution and is also more cost-efficient than purchasing a completely new differential.
However, you should consider if you need the Detroit Truetrac if you already have a full-time or part-time locker. If your vehicle already has a safe, the Truetrac may not be as practical or as valuable for you.
When it comes to replacing your Detroit Truetrac or Detroit Locker, we know that you want to know which is the best option for you. After all, both are used for different purposes and have other pros and cons. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which one is better for you, but we hope you found our Detroit Truetrac and Locker article helpful. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us anytime if you have any other questions about Detroit Truetrac vs. Locker.
FAQs
Q1 Detroit Truetrac vs. Locker, which one is the best?
The Locker is a go-to differential if you require added friction between your gears for applications such as drag racing. However, Detroit Locker, for offroad use, has a definite advantage.
Q2 Is it possible to perform a burnout on Detroit Truetrac?
Yes, the Detroit Truetrac burnout is possible if you utilize a single wheel.
Q3 How does a Detroit Locker work?
According to many Detroit Truetrac locker reviews, it operates through a 100% locked-out mechanism and relies upon a steady torque.
Q4 What’s the average Detroit Truetrac installation cost?
For Detroit Truetrac jeep JK, the average price is between $1000-and $2000, covering labor and gear setup.
Q5 Is an Eaton Detroit locker a reliable option on the street?
Of course, you may commonly find the Detroit locker on the street. However, we still do not recommend such an application since it has heavy-duty traction.
Q6 Can I run the Detroit Truetrac with 35 tires?
The Detroit Truetrac is an excellent choice with 35s since it provides ample application in both on & off-road conditions.
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